Progress and Challenges in Completing the Marquette Greenway

The Marquette Greenway is nearing completion. Remaining sections pose significant challenges. Active transportation planner Mitch Barloga anticipates 10 miles of trail will be developed by next spring. These developments reflect continued efforts from Barloga, one of Indiana’s main supporters of the trail, and Rafi Wilkerson, who oversees sections under the National Park Service.

The Marquette Greenway is designed to stretch 60 miles, starting in Calumet Park, Chicago, and ending in New Buffalo, Michigan. As of October, 39 miles are constructed, while 9 are fully funded and 12 are partially funded. Burns Harbor and Porter are actively working on their segments. Barloga hopes these sections will meet seamlessly, echoing the historic transcontinental railroad completion.

The Burns Harbor stretch encounters a challenge at the Norfolk Southern bridge over the Little Calumet River. The trail is projected to pass under these tracks and extend to Beam Street in Porter, passing through areas like Minoke Prairie in Indiana Dunes National Park and reaching Howe Road. Unlike the Marquette Greenway, the Little Calumet River Trail is a simpler footpath, but plans involve developing it into an accessible trailhead.

Efforts near Broadway in Beverly Shores enhance the trail’s appeal. This adjustment offers a more picturesque path between Ind. 49 and Kemil Road. Connections are being established, aiming for completion by year-end.

Funding remains a hurdle with a $30 million shortfall. In Chicago, the trail travels north of the Indiana Toll Road along U.S. 20. Indiana DOT is paving a bike lane past the Canadian National tracks, offering stunning views of Hammond’s Seidner Dune and Swale nature preserve. Refurbishing the old South Shore Line bridge remains a future task. Meanwhile, Michigan nears the finish line with just half a mile left, offering quieter roads for cyclists from Long Beach to New Buffalo.

The Michigan City part covers a 2.9-mile stretch from Karwick to El Portal, made possible by fully funded RAISE grants. Completion is hoped within a couple of years.

Western segments from the NIRPC building in Portage face challenges. Plans include extending Burns Parkway and building a bridge across Burns Ditch using a $15 million bond. An alternative route could run along Ind. 249, passing a proposed steel heritage museum, towards Portage Lakefront Park and Riverwalk.

Connections to the South Shore Line’s Portage/Ogden Dunes station involve a complex design. The planned trail circles Ogden Dunes, stretches to West Beach, and reaches the Douglas Center parking lot in Gary, all through National Park Service land.

The Douglas Center to Broadway segment, guided by the National Park Service, includes a bridge over Lake Street and Norfolk Southern tracks. This 3.6-mile stretch is a top priority. Current efforts involve securing funds for engineering and construction.

The RAISE grant covers Gary’s west phase, from Bridge Street to Cline Avenue, demanding $22-23 million due to its intricate bridgework. This likely calls for phased implementations, with hopes for local funding support.

In summary, the Marquette Greenway progresses through collaborative efforts despite geographical difficulties. Sized phases and strategic funding may eventually overcome these barriers, accomplishing a continuous trail system across the region.